School Review: St. John's International School

In what town or city is this school located?

Waterloo, Belgium

How would you describe this school? (i.e. American, British, International, Local, etc.)

International w/American, Brit and Scan comprising the highest percentage of the 60+ nations represented

What grade levels are represented at this school?

Pre-K 3 through 13

How do most children get to school everyday? (bus, train, walk, etc.)

bus or car

How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?

Fantastic facilities. Beautiful pre-K and Kindergarten area. State-of-the-art Performing Arts Centre opened in 2005. Sports, arts (visual and performing), language, and many more extra-curricular activities available.

What has this school done to help your child transition from the curriculum in your home country into the curriculum in your new country? Are there programs to prepare your child for repatriation?

What I found amazing was that in each grade level, they break the children into learning groups at their particular levels. For example, my 5th grader's class had four spelling groups; my 4th grader's class had 3 reading groups. It enables each child to be challenged while also stretching them educationally.

How would you describe the social activities available for parents through this school? Are there parent-teacher organizations?

100% better than now back in the US!!

From my first week, the Welcome Committee made sure that we knew we weren't alone and gave tremendous support. Many volunteer opportunities, many fun activities and opportunities to network with other families, most of whom are in a similar situation as expats.

What advice would you give to someone considering enrolling their child in this school?

If coming to Belgium and the Brussels area, if you are looking for a school that is warm and caring, also one that uses the Primary Years Program that teaches more than just facts but also how to be thinkers, caring, knowledgeable, open-minded, a risk-taker, principled and many great qualities, I would highly recommend St. John's. Your child will thrive!